Shillong: Meghalaya is all set to host the 4th edition of the Shillong Literary Festival, aiming to promote and celebrate the rich literary heritage of the region.
The festival is a celebration of art, literature, and culture, bringing together writers, poets, and literature enthusiasts.
The three-day festival will be held at the picturesque Wards Lake in Shillong from November 18 to 20.
Cyril Diengdoh, Director of Tourism, said the serene atmosphere of the lake, adorned with blooming cherry trees, will be the perfect backdrop for stories, poetry, and performances.
He stated that the festival’s primary goal is to foster a literary culture in Meghalaya and offer a platform for local authors.
This festival provides a platform for writers and like-minded groups to share their work and connect with readers.
The Shillong Literary Festival will foster intellectual dialogue and discourse, inspire young people to pursue their creative aspirations, and contribute to tourism and economic development in the region.
The festival seeks to create opportunities for local authors, budding writers, and students to connect with renowned authors, he added.
This year’s festival will feature a mix of established and emerging writers. A major highlight of the festival will be the presence of acclaimed author Vikram Seth, known for works like “A Suitable Boy” and “The Golden Gate.”
The event will offer a diverse range of activities, including book launches, author talks, panel discussions, poetry recitals, and workshops.
One of the key highlights of this year’s festival is its focus on regional literature, specifically Khasi and Garo languages. As these languages strive for recognition in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the festival will host panel discussions to delve into their significance and cultural richness.
The festival has partnered with NEHU’s English Department and extended an invitation to university students to participate in sessions and engage with authors.
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The festival envisions becoming a major literary event on par with the Bangalore Literature Festival and the Kolkata Literary Meet. Diengdoh stated that the long-term goal of the festival is to position Shillong as a premier literary destination within the next five years.
In addition to literary events, the festival will host a musical performance by renowned singer Usha Uthup on November 19 as part of the “Lakeside Melody” concert.
